If you get hurt at work, seeing a doctor is one of the most important things you can do for your health and your workers\u2019 compensation case. Even if the injury does not seem that serious at first, or you think you can keep working, going to the doctor can make a big difference.<\/p>\n
In D.C., you can choose your own doctor. You do not have to see the doctor the insurance company wants you to see.<\/p>\n
However, we often meet people who suffer serious work injuries and still avoid getting medical help. Some even go to the hospital right after the accident, get told to take time off, follow up with a doctor, start physical therapy, or consider surgery, but never do it. Skipping this kind of follow up and aftercare can hurt both your health and your workers comp case.<\/p>\n
Here’s why this avoidance can pose significant problems. ER rooms tend to be chaotic, with their primary focus on determining whether you need to stay in the hospital or if you can go home. While they may perform X-rays, these tests often don’t reveal certain injuries, such as herniated discs or torn ligaments. Additionally, you won’t receive extensive treatment there, just some short-term pain meds and perhaps a note stating that you can’t work for a couple of days.<\/p>\n
If you’ve already been to the ER for a work injury and told your employer or filled a report, that’s a positive step. However, it’s best to hold off on speaking with the workers’ compensation representative or providing a statement just yet. It’s usually too early for that, and they might try to deny or delay your valid workers’ compensation claim.<\/p>\n
You need a doctor to confirm that you cannot work. Even if you think the pain will go away soon, it is important to get checked right away. Seeing a doctor early helps you understand the real injury and protects you if it turns out to be more serious than you thought.<\/p>\n
If you have questions about your work injury or workers\u2019 compensation claim, Attorney Frank Kearney can help you understand your options. Schedule a free consulation<\/a><\/strong><\/span> or call 202-393-3320<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n Watch this quick video of Attorney Frank Kearney explaining why getting evaluated by the right medical specialist matters, especially when you are dealing with injuries like a torn ACL, rotator cuff tear, herniated disc, or concussion.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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